CLUTHA SEAT

Press, Volume XCVI, Issue 28450, 3 December 1957, Page 16

CLUTHA SEAT

Mr Roy Not To Withdraw (New Zealand Press Association) DUNEDIN, December 2. Mr J. A. Roy has no intention of giving up his Clutha seat in favour of another candidate. He today denied any intention of withdrawing his nomination as the official National Party candidate for the Clutha electorate. “I am going on with the nomination just as though the election had been held on Saturday,” he said. “I am definitely not withdrawing. There is nothing more to add.” Mr W. G. Caldwell has already announced that he will stand as an Independent National candidate. The defeat in St. Kilda of Mr J. G. Barnes caused rumours that he would be approached to stand should both Mr Roy and Mr Caldwell decide to withdraw in the interests of the party. Mr Barnes today said that the suggestion that he might •be offered the Clutha electorate should the two candidates withdraw came as a complete surprise He had not discussed the possibility with any one, and no-one had approached him about it. “I have been very friendly with Mr Roy for six years, and he may rest assured that I will do nothing to embarrass him in regard to the Clutha seat.” Mr Barnes said. He would be interested in making himself available for selection as a candidate for Clutha only if Mr Roy voluntarily relinquished the seat, he said. Mr Roy was a valuable member of the party and a good friend. Should Mr Roy decide in the future to retire from Clutha and an approach then be made by a representative group of the electorate. he would be interested. Mr Barnes said. “I wish Mr Roy every success in the Clutha election, and express the hope that he is able to carry on the good work he has done for his district,” Mr Barnes said.